Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert Says LeBron James Is a Quitter

When Dan Gilbert bought the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005, he call LeBron James, "a great guy who just wants to win." Today, Gilbert called his former superstar "a quitter." And that's just for starters.

He called James' decision a "heartless and callous action," a "shocking act of disloyalty," and a "shameful display of selfishness and betrayal." The only thing missing from Gilbert's missive was a footnote saying "strong letter to follow."

Later, Gilbert told the Associated Press that "accountability time" has come for James. Gilbert said James "quit" during several games of the second round of the NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics. He said he also believes James quit during the playoff series last year against the Orlando Magic.

"It's not about the leaving," Gilbert insisted. "It's the disrespect."

Gilbert's open letter is the first thing that greets visitors to the Cavs web site. Team officials say they share his sentiments.

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Gilbert was not at a team press conference this afternoon, but first-year head coach Byron Scott said, "Once you get to know Dan you understand how passionate he is ... He's speaking from his heart. He's the voice for this organization and he's going to do whatever it takes to win."

General Manager Chris Grant said Gilbert's comments won't hurt the team's image in the eyes of fans. "He has the right to voice his opinion," Grant said.

Gilbert may be nursing more than hurt feelings. It's estimated that the value of the team plummeted $250 million after James' decision to leave town.

Brian Windhorst, who covers the Cavs for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, said that whatever headaches James may have caused Gilbert, the star was worth millions to the team.

"It's a little bit hypocritical for Dan Gilbert to absolutely destroy him and act like he didn't want him, when he would have liked nothing more than to keep him for six more years," said Windhorst.

Today's front page of the Plain Dealer has a one-word banner headline which says simply, "GONE." A photo of James shows him walking way from the camera. An arrow points to his hand, and in smaller type, it says, "7 years, $62 million, no rings."

"I can understand where they [the fans] come from. And I want them to know that every night I went out there, I did it for them. I didn't do it for anyone else but those fans, because I wanted to please them every night I went out on the basketball court."

This is not over for Gilbert. "He has gotten a free pass," Gilbert said. "People have covered up for [James] for way too long. It's time for people to hold these athletes accountable for their actions."